African Emerald Cuckoo vs Yellow-billed Malkoha

Chrysococcyx cupreus compared with Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Emerald Cuckoo Yellow-billed Malkoha
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx cupreus Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.1 cm (8.3 in) 35.2 cm (13.9 in)
Weight 38.0 g (1.34 oz) 117.0 g (4.13 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Yellow-billed Malkoha only

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Song & Call Comparison

African Emerald Cuckoo

Song

Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low notes carrying far through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

Song

Loud, far-carrying plaintive whistle; pure melodic notes audible through open tropical scrub habitat.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Yellow-billed Malkoha

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How to Tell Them Apart

African Emerald Cuckoo

Plumage

New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size

Yellow-billed Malkoha

Plumage

Reynaud's Coua: gray-brown above; white below with rufous flanks; bare blue facial skin; long dark tail; Madagascar forest endemic

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About These Birds

African Emerald Cuckoo

African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) — 20–22 cm. Male: dazzling emerald green above and on breast; yellow belly; red bill. Female: bronze-green above; rufous-barred below. Inhabits primary forest and dense secondary growth across West and Central Africa. Brood parasite targeting sunbirds and other small passerines. Insectivore.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

Yellow-billed Malkoha (Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus) — 45–50 cm. Bronze-green above; chestnut-red underparts; yellow bill; bare red orbital skin; long tail. Endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands in primary and secondary forest. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.

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